Penn State prides itself on a number of traditions, most notably the ‘We Are’ chant heard at sporting events and around campus. 

As students and alumni celebrate Homecoming Week, they’re taking the time to recognize how and where the infamous chant came about. 

In 1976, the university’s cheerleading squad came up with the idea to bring back something unique after hearing how Ohio State fans show school pride during football games. 

They tried making a chant using Joe Paterno’s name, then the team’s colors. 

But ‘We Are’ resonated with the crowd. 

“All of a sudden when it finally caught on, it finally exploded,” George Dennis, former cheerleading captain of the number-one ranked cheerleading squad at the time said. 

Members of the squad said they’re honored they created something that’s played a part of school history for forty years. 

“It’s a unity, it’s we are all together proud. It’s very deep meaning for me,” Marcia Matheson, a former cheerleader from the 1976 squad said. 

Jeff Fiddler, another member of the squad, reminisces on an experience he considers ‘addicting.’

“The whole experience representing the university actually leading the cheers and being able to corral all that energy, that’s addicting,” he said. 

The 1976 cheerleading squad will participate in several events, including the homecoming parade and reciting the “We Are’ chant on the field during the match against Maryland on Saturday.